Leandro Trossard Is the Premier League's Invisible Glue

Leandro Trossard is the Premier League's most underrated player. While pundits fawn over Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, Trossard quietly stitches Arsenal's attack together, making the Gunners tick in ways that don't show up on highlight reels.

The Shadow Architect

Since arriving from Brighton in January 2023 for a modest £27m, Trossard has been the ultimate squad player. He doesn't demand headlines, yet his impact per minute is staggering. In the 2023/24 season, he scored 12 goals and assisted 7 in the league, many from the bench. His expected goals and assists per 90 minutes rank among the league's elite, comparable to Phil Foden and Mohamed Salah.

But numbers only hint at his value. Trossard's movement off the ball creates space for others. His ability to play across the front line and as a false nine gives Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility. When Arsenal need a goal, Trossard is often the catalyst, yet he remains outside the mainstream conversation.

The Case for Trossard as Arsenal's MVP

Arsenal's title challenge hinges on moments of magic from unlikely sources. Trossard provides exactly that. Consider these specific contributions:

  • Against Liverpool in February 2024, Trossard came off the bench to score the equaliser in a 3-1 win, shifting momentum in the title race.
  • His late winner at Everton in May 2024 demonstrated his clutch gene, sealing a crucial three points.
  • In the Champions League, his goal against Porto helped Arsenal reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010.

These aren't isolated incidents; they're a pattern. Trossard delivers when it matters, often when others are tiring. His intelligence and technique allow him to exploit tiring defences, making him a game-changer in the final 30 minutes.

The Counter-Argument: Trossard Is a Luxury Player

Critics argue Trossard lacks consistency as a starter and goes missing in big games. They point to his quiet performances against Manchester City, where he struggles to impose himself. But this misses the point. Trossard isn't meant to dominate; he's meant to complement. His role is to provide spark, not to be the engine. When he starts, he stretches defences; when he comes on, he changes games. Dismissing him as a luxury ignores the reality that Arsenal's squad depth is their greatest weapon, and Trossard is its sharpest edge.

The Verdict: Trossard Will Decide the Title

Arsenal will win the Premier League this season, and Trossard will score the goal that clinches it. It will come in May, away at Old Trafford or at home to Southampton, and it will be a typical Trossard finish—unassuming, precise, and utterly decisive. By then, the mainstream will finally notice. But for now, he remains the invisible glue holding Arsenal together.

Filed under: Opinion | LA Premier League Home